Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals, such as horses, dogs, cats, and birds, into the treatment plan.
The client, therapist, and animal work together in therapeutic activities that are agreed upon between therapist and client with clear goals for change, measurable objectives, and the expectation of identifiable progress toward the treatment goals. The therapy can take many forms, based on the patient, the animal, and the goals for treatment.
Animal-assisted therapy is used to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy.
Animal-assisted therapy can be a useful intervention for some individuals or groups. It can help with a variety of experiences and conditions including:
Animal-assisted therapy relies on the bond that can develop between people and animals. Animals can provide a sense of calm, comfort, or safety and divert atttentio away from a stressful sittuation and toward one that provides pleasure.
Advocates of animal-assisted therapy believe that developing a bond with an animal can help people develop a better sense of self-worth and trust, stabilize their emotions, and improve their communication and socialization skills. Animals also assist us in soothing ourselves through our senses.
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